Joan Concannon

Joan Concannon is the Chief Reputation and Stakeholder Relations Officer.

Responsibilities

Joan was appointed as the University of York’s first Chief Reputation and Stakeholder Relations Officer on 1 August 2025, and she reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor.

Her portfolio includes reputation and brand management, stakeholder engagement identifying opportunities to develop scalable quadruple helix partnerships to drive public, private, academic, and philanthropic income diversification with a specific focus on aligning with regional economic growth and investment priorities.

She is responsible for a portfolio of functions including:

Communications (institutional brand strategy, digital engagement, media and research communications, staff and student communications and events and public engagement)
Office for Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA)
Economic Development

Education as a force for good

Joan says: “I'm a really passionate believer in education being this incredibly powerful force for good and that universities have a responsibility to deliver tangible and relatable benefits for the places they are located in.

In establishing the Directorate of Reputation, Economic Development and Advocacy, York is demonstrating its commitment to harnessing the power of its world-class research, teaching and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver skills, innovation and investment that will renew our regional economy.

Our work aims to inspire our community - of students, staff, prospective students, alumni, philanthropic partners, civic leaders, business and political stakeholders in order to form a foundation of trust, influence and support diversity of income for the University. We start here in York but we will champion regional place-based outcomes that has global resonance and appeal“

https://youtu.be/oAOEgvFg-kk

About Joan Concannon

Joan has a specific interest in advancing the reputation of universities in respect of place-making and demonstrating the way in which the work of the University of York is influencing and driving inclusive economic, social and cultural development. She has specific University Executive Board level leadership across a range of regional economic development partnerships including Mayoral Combined authorities, City of York Council, Darlington Economic Campus, and major land asset development commercial partners such as York Central. She is also the lead for the University on all higher education sectoral issues.

Joan is the co-founding Director of the York Festival of Ideas, one of the largest free festivals of its kind in the UK. The festival is dedicated to demonstrating the relevance and societal value of education, research and ideas to diverse audiences.

Joan Concannon, Chief Reputation and Stakeholder Relations Officer

Additionally, she is a founding director and board member of Make It York, the city's Management Destination Organisation. She is also a Non-Fellow member of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s External Affairs Committee.

Before joining the University of York in 2009, Joan was Director of External Relations at the University of Dundee for seven years and co-led the V&A at Dundee project during its first two years of development, leading to significant Scottish government financial support and widespread public engagement.